Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 13.2% more expensive than Lincoln, NE. This translates to spending an extra $989 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $161,868.132 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 37.0% more expensive than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $989 more per month than Lincoln, NE, or $11868 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $989/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.9K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$989

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$11.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$274K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:113

Median Home:$558K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Austin, TX

Category	Lincoln, NE	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $780more	37.0%
📦Other	$1,574/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $167more	10.6%
🏥Healthcare	$682/mo	$589/mo	↓ $92.94less	13.6%
⚡All Utilities	$470/mo	$541/mo	↑ $71.03more	15.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $40.98more	3.3%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 37.0%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$780

📦Other

↑ 10.6%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$167

🏥Healthcare

↓ 13.6%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$92.94

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 15.1%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$71.03

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.3%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$40.98

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$9.99

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$1,585

↑ $665

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,685

↑ $685

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,995

↑ $765

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$2,525

↑ $820

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$976

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Austin

$274K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 103% more expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$778

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.2%

Rate difference

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.